Previous Headline
January 2006
Current Event…Quebec introduces new Parental Insurance Plan
What is special about each type of benefit?
Maternity benefits are for the mother only and cannot be shared between the two parents. These benefits are paid as provided by the law on maternity leave, that is, not earlier than on the 16th week before the anticipated delivery and not later than 18 weeks after delivery (some exceptions apply).
Paternity benefits are for the father only. He cannot transfer them to the mother if he chooses not to take them. These benefits are paid from the week of birth at the earliest until the 52nd week following the birth at the latest (some exceptions apply).
Parental benefits can be taken by either parent or shared by both, based on an agreement between the two. In addition, parents may take these weeks simultaneously or consecutively from the week of birth to the 52nd week following the birth.
Finally,
adoption benefits can be taken by either parent or shared by both, based on an agreement between the two. In addition, parents may take these weeks simultaneously or consecutively beginning the week of the child’s arrival at the earliest or, in case of adoption outside Quebec, two weeks before the child’s arrival. These benefits end the 52nd week following the arrival of the child, at the latest.
How do I apply for benefits?
Before applying, you should first make sure you are eligible, have the required
information ready, and have chosen the benefit plan that best meets your needs.
Once all of these conditions are met, there are two ways to apply:
- by using Quebec Parental Insurance Plan online services at www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca (http://www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca); or
- by calling the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan customer service centre at 1 888 610-RQAP (7727).
Information about the new plan as well as a benefit calculator (SimulRQAP) are available at the RQAP website:
www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca.
